According to a new report, there are some food trends that could have your employees gobbling up the contents of your vending machines.
Today’s food world is a vastly different place than it was just 4years ago, thanks to a variety of forces that have reshaped our attitudes and behaviors about food. These forces have influenced the key consumer drivers that have had the most power to propel food trends: health and wellness, authentic appeal, artisan appreciation, and local and sustainable, according to “A Look Backward & Forward Culinary Trend Mapping Report,” a recently released joint publication of the San Francisco-based strategic food and beverage innovation agency, CCD Innovation, and the market research publisher, Packaged Facts.
Among the influential food landscape game changers affecting your employee’s choices are:
- The proliferation of food on social media [and food shows on TV]
- New foodservice outlets such as food trucks
- The growth of the natural foods channels
- Consumers’ increasing expectations and access to food information
According to a press release about the report, among the key food trends cited are:
Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has benefited from the power of several drivers, first and foremost Wholesome Nutrition, under the broader health and wellness category. Interest in digestive health, also under this umbrella, increased sales of probiotic-rich yogurt, while simultaneously influencing the rise of gluten-free foods all play a part . Appeal also comes into play as many consumers connect thick, creamy, Greek-style yogurt with its old world roots.
Salty sweets: Salty sweets, whether in the form of salted caramel and chocolate or other savory combos (think Pretzel M&Ms), tapped into the recession-driven comfort and indulgence trend. Artisan candy makers and pastry chefs in the lower stages of the Trend Map® leveraged this more sophisticated combo, reigniting interest in a long-time palate-pleasing flavor profile.
Coconut water: The increase in the Asian and Hispanic populations can be considered a force behind coconut water. The growth of the natural foods has given this product a home in beverage vending machines.
Chia seeds: Well-informed natural food lovers and subscribers to wellness got excited about chia because of its many nutrients and its ease of use. This seed, made famous by those holiday “pets,” has a lot of momentum.